polka dotted floors + animated lights adorn coordination asia’s kids museum of glass in shanghai

coordination asia unveiled the new kids museum of glass 2.0— a 2,320 sqm former glass-making workshop converted into a contemporary art and design museum for young visitors in shanghai, china. the space integrates kids-driven content into an explorative visiting experience to encourage independent learning. all the exhibits are connected through a scavenger hunt which invites guests to look for clues in the space, engaging them on multiple levels.

all images courtesy of coordination asia

coordination asia included hands-on installations to empower children to take control and explore further what interests them and to actively learn about glass as a material and its role in the environment, science, technology, art, design, and human civilization. multimedia and digital contents play a significant part in the exhibition design, including a mirror maze, sound installations, an interactive motion-tracking exhibit, and short films about glass in different fields.

‘when it comes to designing a museum for children, the challenge often lies in finding the balance between what children and their parents desire during the visit. in our kids museum of glass 2.0, we managed to create a satisfying learning experience that creates a common ground between both sides.’ says tilman thürmer, founder of coordination asia and curator, design director, and vice president of the shanghai museum of glass. the new museum also provides large workshop spaces with fully functioning glass-making kilns and state-of-the-art flameworking stations.

the space is flexible and allows opportunities for temporary exhibitions and events and can accommodate several school groups. the original wooden structures of the roof and exposed brick walls are kept to preserve the authenticity of the former workshop. black metal platforms and staircases are inserted into the clean, open-plan space to create layers under the original roof of an impressive height of 12 meters. translucent walls made of customized glass bricks let the space flooded with natural light with patterns that imitate the steel mesh used in the former factory.

these subtle details are intended to be reminders of the building’s industrial heritage, creating an intriguing dialogue between ‘old and new’. the whole space is dominated by the strong contrast of a monochromatic palette which highlights the vibrant colors used on exhibits, dynamic surfaces, and installations. animated light lines run through the whole museum, elevating the space with an energetic and active vibe. the bold graphics on the wall and the museum’s own mascot patterns on the custom-made soft floors encapsulate visitors in a uniquely immersive environment.

materials were chosen according to the kid’s behaviors. for instance, tempered glass is used on all the showcases, allowing young visitors to stand, walk and even jump on the surface. the kids museum of glass 2.0 offers an environment that creates a common ground where parents’ objectives for children to learn and kids’ wish to play are met. the design demonstrates the vision of creating a contemporary cultural and educational destination. the museum presents families with a platform for lifestyle-centered activities and the appreciation of art and culture.

project info:

name: kids museum of glass 2.0

designer: coordination asia

location: shanghai, china

area: 2,230 sqm (24003.52 sqft)

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edited by: yasmina karam | designboom